Fundamentals of Semiconductors: Physics and Materials Properties

D C Herbert

Semiconductor Science and Technology · 1996 · 736 citations · 0 references

Concepts

TL;DR

The book provides a tutorial introduction to the basic physics of semiconductors, originating from postgraduate lecture courses. It explains semiconductor phenomena with physical models and minimal mathematics, supported by high‑quality diagrams, while deliberately omitting device‑physics applications. The book offers strong coverage of optical properties with detailed spectroscopic discussions, and also provides clear treatment of band structure, lattice dynamics, defects, and group‑theoretical methods.

Abstract

This book has evolved from lecture courses for postgraduate students and gives an excellent tutorial introduction to the basic physics of semiconductors. Physical models are used to explain the various phenomena and mathematical derivation is kept to a minimum. The liberal use of high quality diagrams greatly enhances the presentation and readability. As might be expected from these authors, the coverage of optical properties is particularly strong and contains valuable discussion of the various spectroscopic techniques. The coverage of band structure, lattice dynamics and defects is also good and includes a very readable account of group theoretical methods. Applications to device physics are, however, deliberately excluded.